Verification

Whenever new matter is introduced on either side, the plea must conclude with a verification or averment, in order that the other party may have an opportunity of answering it.

The usual verification of a plea containing matter of fact, is in these words, "And this he is ready to verify," etc.

In one instance however, new matter need not conclude with a verification and then the pleader may pray judgment without it; for example, when the matter pleaded is merely negative. The reason of it is evident, a negative requires no proof; and it would therefore be imper-tinent or nugatory for the pleader, who pleads a negative matter, to declare his readiness to prove it.

practice. The examination of the truth of a writing; the certificate that the writing is true.
   

This entry contains material from Bouvier's Legal Dictionary, a work published in the 1850's.